"We challenge each other and grow stronger together”
Vinoteket is Sweden's largest online wine store, with over 350.000 orders per year and a turnover that has increased drastically in recent years. With PostNord TPL as the third-party logistics provider, Vinoteket delivers across Sweden, all year-round. Allan Thorsen, CEO of Vinoteket.com Aps, tells us more about the importance of a close partnership with a strong logistics partner to achieve success together.
Vinoteket and PostNord TPL have had a close collaboration since 2018. At the logistics unit E20 in Køge, Denmark, a large number of orders are being picked and packed every day, and then transported across the strait to customers all over Sweden.
– Large volumes come to PostNord TPL from all over the world every year, around four million bottles annually. And with the expected growth, we will continue to increase. We therefore need a logistics partner with the same goals, vision, and conviction that we can grow together with. We set high standards for the partnership and expect the same from our logistics partner. We don’t just want to be affirmed. TPL is the strategic partner that challenges us, and when we challenge each other, we grow stronger together.
Allan describes Vinoteket as an exciting business with a dynamic strategy and a pragmatic approach.
– Looking back at recent years, e-commerce has been on an interesting journey, and even though we have increased our turnover during the last few years, we also face challenges, something that the pandemic is a good example of. But we are not afraid to ask ourselves questions like: Are we doing this right? Can we do something differently?
Vinoteket at one of PostNord TPLs warehouses in Køge, Denmark
A collaborative effort to support the customer's logistics needs
Carsten Budolph Larsen, Warehouse Manager at PostNord TPL in Køge, agrees and explains that a close and strategic collaboration is crucial.
– We are developing together with Vinoteket, which is incredibly fun. It is a joint effort where we support the customer with their logistics and they challenge us to improve at what we do, and in this way, we grow together. Vinoteket has grown enormously in recent years, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth journey. Important keywords are flexibility, proactivity, and understanding of the customer's specific needs, Carsten explains.
Allan highlights TPL's ability to invest and scale up in line with the customer's growth as one of the major advantages of a strong logistics partner.
– TPL can make investments that align with our growth. Beyond that, we always look to optimize flow and processes and have the right equipment, such as "pick by voice." We are not just affirmed; we are challenged, and it goes both ways, making the partnership dynamic and strong.
Carsten mentions the upcoming high seasons, including Black Week, Cyber Week, Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year's, which place high demands on the logistics provider.
– There are large volumes to handle daily, and we have dedicated teams doing an incredible job to ensure no friction occurs at any point. Our main mission is that the end customer has great experience – that's when we have succeeded!